Untitled Flashcards Set

Cell Theory

The cell is life’s basic unit of structure and function.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that are smaller, simpler, and lack a nucleus; found in domains Bacteria and Archaea.

Eukaryotic Cells

More complex cells organized into smaller structures called organelles, with a nucleus surrounded by a nuclear envelope.

Plasma Membrane

A complex outer envelope made of a phospholipid bilayer that regulates movement in and out of the cell.

Fluid-Mosaic Model

Describes the plasma membrane structure where proteins and carbohydrates are embedded in a fluid bilayer.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

ER studded with ribosomes that synthesizes proteins for the plasma membrane or other organelles.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

ER that lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis, hormone production, and detoxification.

Mitochondria

The powerhouse of the cell responsible for converting energy from organic molecules into ATP.

Lysosomes

Tiny sacs containing digestive enzymes that break down waste and old organelles.

Active Transport

The process of moving substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Diffusion

The movement of a substance down its concentration gradient, facilitating transport across membranes.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells engulf particles too large to pass through the membrane.

Cell Communication

Involves the transmission of signals from outside to inside the cell to elicit a response.

Quorum Sensing

A process by which unicellular organisms communicate their density or presence to other members of their species.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death, a process essential for development and maintenance in mammals.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs)

Membrane receptors that trigger multiple signal transduction pathways and are often associated with cancer.

Extracellular Matrix

A collection of molecules secreted by cells that provides structural and biochemical support.

Vesicles

Membrane-bound sacs that transport materials in and out of the cell.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells that contain chlorophyll and carry out photosynthesis.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that helps maintain cell shape and facilitates cellular movement.

Facilitated Diffusion

Transport of substances across a membrane via a specific channel protein.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with equal solute concentration inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net water movement.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher solute concentration than the cell, leading to water loss from the cell.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower solute concentration than the cell, causing the cell to gain water.